This creamy and flavorful quinoa mushroom risotto recipe is a healthier twist on the traditional risotto. It features earthy mushrooms, nutty quinoa, and a luscious blend of herbs and spices. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a side dish for a special occasion. Vegan and gluten-free options available.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional for a cheesy flavor)
- 1/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese (optional for a cheesy flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
- Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Stir in the quinoa, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the simmering vegetable broth to the skillet, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until almost all the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
- Continue this process until the quinoa is tender and creamy, about 20 minutes.
- If desired, stir in the nutritional yeast and vegan parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes.
- Serve the quinoa mushroom risotto topped with fresh chopped parsley.
Interesting Facts
Quinoa is actually a seed, not a grain, and it's known as a complete protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids.
Mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants and can help support the immune system.
This recipe can easily be customized by adding other vegetables such as spinach or roasted butternut squash.